Flow-proportioning apparatus



May 5, 1925. 1,537,044

G. H. GIBSON FLOW PROPORT I ONING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 22, 1916 3 sheets -sh et l Q awumd oz May 5, 1925. 1,537,044

G. H. GIBSON FLOW PROPORTIONING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 22, 1916 3 she ets sii et 2 -TIQ'. 2K

'nuentoz May 5, 1925. 1,537,044 G. H. GIBSON FLOW PROBORTIONING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 22, 91g 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG 5 nvenior Witness 4 5 %WZZU G7 flttor ey Patented. May 5, 1925.

UNITED STATES GEORGE HERBERT GIBSON, OF MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY.

FLOW-PROPORTIONING APPARATUS.

Applicationfiled September 22, 1916. Serial No. 121,547.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE H. GIBSON, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Montclair, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey. have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Flow Propo-rtioning Apparatus, of which the following is a true and exact description, reference being had to the accom panying drawings, which form a part thereof.

My present invention consists in part in an improved system or method of, and apparatus for combustion regulation, and in part in an improved means for regulating fluid rates of flow and for proportioning one variable quantity to another which, while of especial value for use in and as a part of a furnace regulating system, are also valuable for use in other relations.

One general object of my invention is to provide a method of, and means for automatically regulating the supply of air and fuel to a. furnace to the need for the same..

the apparatus employed being charm-tcrized on the one hand by the simplicity and effectiveness with which the different parts are coordinated, and on the other hand by the ease with which individual elements of the furnace regulating system may be independently adjusted or regulated when the conditions of use make this desirable. An-

other main object of my invention is,to provide improved means for automatically proportioning one flu d rate of flow to another. The various features of novelty which characterize my invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of' this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, however, and of the advantages possessed by it, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which I have diagrammatically illus-s' trated and described various embodiments of my invention. I

Of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a steam generating plant in which the fuel and air supplied to the combustion chambers of the boiler furnaces are automatically controlled in accordance with the present invention:

Figure 2 is a view similar to- Fig. 1 illustrating a somewhat different form {of furnace regulation; and

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figs. 1 and lating apparatus.

In Fig. 1 I have illustrated the use of my invention in a steam generating plant comprising two generating boilers A provided with automatic stoker mechanisms B which comprise a common operating shaft B shown as driven through a belt 0. from a steam motor D which receives its motor fluid through the branch pipe D from the steam main G. The steam space of each boiler A is connected to the main G through a corresponding steam pipe G. The stoker motor I) also drives a blower E which supplies air to the under side of the grate for E2101) boiler A, through a branch air supply pipe F. The smoke pipes H from the two furnaces are connected to a common chimney connection H. Atmospheric air is supplied to the combustion chamber of each boiler above the grate through a corresponding opening or openings A. As shown the openings A may be regulated in size by the dampers I.

In the apparatus shown an Fig. 1, the speed of the stoker motor I) and thereby the rate at which coal is supplied to each boiler furnace by the corresponding Stoker B is automatically proportioned to the rate at which steam is withdrawn from the boilers and the pressure of this steam. The means which I employ for accomplishing this result comprise an electromagnetic flow balancing device L which comprises a fluid pressure motor responsive to the volume of flow in the steam pipe G and an opposing clectro-magnetic motor. In the diagrammatic form illustrated, the fluid pressure motor of the device L is formed by a pressure chamber L connected to a Pitot tube extending into the steam supply pipe G, and a pressure chamber L ..to which the static pressure in the pipe Gris transmittedQ A lever L mounted on a fulcrum block L is connected at oneendto .the'opposed diaphragms or flexible walls of the chambers L and L and carries at its other end a floating coilL which in-oonjunction with a cooperating pair of stationary coils L connected in series with the coil L forms the .electro-magnetic motor of the balance L.

The electric current passing through the coils L and L of the balance L is supplied by a current generator K advantageously of the magneto type 'hich is driven at a speed proportional to, and consequently generates an electroemotive force proportional to the speed of the stoker motor D. As shown, one terminal of the magneto K is connected to the coil L by a conductor 1 which includes a manually adjustable resistance R and an ammeter O. The other coil L -is connected to the second terminal of the magneto K by a conductor 2 which includes a manually adjustable resistance R and a rheostat R, the movable contact N of which is automatically adjusted to increase and decrease the resistance in circuit as the pressure in the steam pipe G falls and rises by the bellows pressure responsive device N.

The lever L of the balancing controls the adjustment of the valve J and thereby the speed of the the following manner. The spindle of the valve J is geared to the shaft of a reversible electric motor M of the three terminal, twowinding type. The common terminal of the two-windings of the motor M is connected by a conductor 4 to one of the mains Y, of an electric power circuit. The other main X, of this circuit is connected by a conductor 3 in the form diagrammatically illustrated in the drawings, to the fulcrum L and thereby to the lever L of the balancing device L. The other two terminals of the motor M are connected by conductors 5 and 6 respectively to switch contacts located below and above the lever L of the balance L and engaged by the latter as it turns in one direction or the other from its neutral position.

The operation of the apparatus shown .in Fig. 1, in-so far as it has now been specifie cally described, is as follows: The flexible walls of the pressure chambers L and L subject the corresponding end of the lever L to a downwardly acting differential force which is proportional to the square of the rate of steam flow through the conduit G. The current passing through the coils L and L of the electro-dynamometer is proportional, with any given adjustment of the resistances R, R and R to the electro-motive force at the terminals of the generator K, and hence tothe speed of the stoker motor. The electro-magnetic effect of the balancing current passing through the coils L and L is to subject the coil L to a downwardly acting force which is proportional to the square of the balancing current. Normally the differential pressure effect exerted on the one end of the lever L is balanced by the 'electro-magnetic forces acting between the'ccils L and L. In case of an increase in the rate at which steam passes out of-the pipe G, the left hand end of the lever L is depressed and thus closes one of the operative circuits of the motor M as follows: from the main K through conductor 3, fulcrum block L", lever L conductor device L stoker motor D in' 6 to the motor M, and from the latter through conductor f to the main Y. This sets the motor in operation in the direction to open the .valve J, and the valve opening movement of the motor M is continued until the resultant increase in speed of the stoker motor restores the balance. On a decrease in the rate of steam flow through the conduit G, the conductor 3 is connected through the lever L to the conductor 5 with the effect of energizing the other winding of the motor M which then rotates in the direction to close the valve J.

As the steam pressure in the pipe G rises above or falls below normal and the device N cuts some of theresist'ance R out of or intocircuit with the coils L and L, the electro-motive force which must be generated by the magneto K to maintain a balancing current of the. proper'intensity is decreased or increased, respectively. Since the'electro-motive force of the generator K and the speed of the 'stoker motor vary together, the speed of the stoker'motor is reduced, as it should be, when the steam pres sure rises above normal, and is increased when the steam pressure falls below normal. What may be called the normal stoker speed for any given rate of steam generation and any given steam pressure may be adjusted by varying the manually adjustable resistance R and R in circuit with the coils L and L of the balance L, in the manner and for a purpose hereinafter explained more fully. With the various resistances in any one adjustment the current through the coils L and L will vary with the steam flow in the conduit G and the ammeter 0 gives a measure of this flow.

Associated with each air supply pipe F,

and with each smoke pipe H is a corresponding 'electro-magnetic flow balancing device LA. The devices LA may each be, and each is shown as being identical in form with the balance L already described Each of the balances LA controls a reversible motor MA, as the balance L controls the motor M, and each motor MA automatically regulates the flow in the conduit to which its controlling balance pertains, by means shown as consisting of a slide damper M carrying a nut in which works a threaded extension of the motor shaft. The coils L and L of the various balances LA are connected in series with one another between the terminals of the generator K in an ener 'izing circuit which connects with the I coilductor 1 at the point 8 so that the ad motor MA, to adjust the corresponding damper l. as required to bring the two forces back into balance.

' Manually adjustable resistance R are all . justable resistance R which is in circuit with the coils L and L of the balance L, as well as of the balances LA, is to vary the ratio between the stoker specd on the one hand, and the rate of steam flow and air supply on the other hand, without dis- :turbing the ratio of the steam flow to the air supply. This makes it possible toVary the supply of air to the furnaces in response to the changes in the character of the coal burned or other changing conditions making a change in the ratio of air to fuel necessary or desirable.

By adjusting the manually adjustable re-' sistance R the ratio of steam withdrawn from the boilers, to the coal and air supplied to the boiler furnaces may be varied without varying the ratio of fuel to air. The regulation which is to be had by means of the adjustable resistance R is especially useful where it is desirable to anticipate peaks in the load curve, by increasing the. combustion rate relative'to the rate of steam consumption at or just prior to an expected increase in load, and by decreasing the ratio between the fuel burned and steam consumed on or just before an expected decrease in load. \Vith any given adjustmentof their resistances R, the two balances 'LA for each'furnace operate directly mmaintain a constant ratio hetweenthe amount of.

primary air supplied by the conduit F to, and the amount. of products of combustion passing through the conduit H from the furnace, and thereby indirectly maintain a constant ratio between the amount of pri-. mary air supplied through the conduit.

F- and the amount of secondary air supplied through the opening A, .since the amount of the products of combustion withdrawn from the furnace is a definite function of the amounts of primary and secondary air supplied. The amount of secondary air passing through the opening A is a function of the amount by which the pressure of the atmosphere exceeds the pressure in the combustion chamber above the furnace grate. As the volume of primary air increases, the damper M in the conduit H is automatically adjusted to provide the increased suction or dropv in pressure above the furnace grate necessary to cause the increased influx of secondary air required to maintain the predetermined ratio between the amounts of primary'air and products of combustion. When the amount of primary air decreases, the pressure above the furnace grate is correspondingly raised. While the pressure in the combustion chamber above the furnace grate thus varies inversely with the amount of primary air supplied, and consequently varies inversely with the rate of steam withdrawal and directly with the pressure of the steam, the amountby which the pressure of the atmosphere must exceed the pressure in the combustion chamber above the furnace grate to give the maximum required supply of secondary air is comparatively small with properly designed apparatus, so that the apparatus operates to maintain a pressure above the furnace grate which never differs greatly from that of the atmosphere.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 2 differs from that shown in Fig. 1 primarily in the fact that the coils L? and L of the balance L are connected in series with the coils L and. L of the variousbalances LA, and in that the current through the circuit 19 including these coils is supplied by the mains X and Y and is controlled by anadjustable resistance R which is adjusted by a reversible motor MB controlled by the balance L exactly as the balance L of Fig. 1 controls the motor M of that figure, and in the manher in which the stoker valve controlling motor M is governed. As shown, the movable switch member M coacting with the stationary switch contacts of the resistance R is in the form of a nut through which the threaded shaft of the motor MB is screwed. The circuit 10 is connected at one end to the supply main X and at the opposite end is connected through a portion of the wiring 4 to the supply main Y. In Fig.2 the motor M for adjusting the throttle valve J in the steam supply pipe Gifor the stoker motor D is controlled by an 'electro-magnetic balance Qhaving one solenoid coil Q connected in the circuit 10, and another solenoid'coil Q connected in the circuit 11' across the terminals of the .ma'gneto K. The cores of the solenoid coils Q, and Q are connected to a lever Q, fulcrumedbetween the two coils, and adapted to .close one or the other of switches Q and Q as the lever turnsin one direction or the other from a neutral position. The switch Q serves,whcn closed, to connect the motor circuit conductors 3 and 5 and thus run the motor M in one direction, while the switch Q} serves, when closed, to connect the conductors 3 and 6 and cause themotor M to run in the opposite direction. In consequence the valve J is adjusted to increase and decreasethe supply of steam to the mo- ,tor D as required to maintain a magneto speed such that the current through the coil QF bears the desired ratio to the current passing through the coil Q of the balance Q. The ratio which will be maintained between steam flow and stoker speed may be manually adjusted asdcsired, by adjusting the resistance R connected in series with the coil Q between the terminals of the magneto K. In Fig. 2, an adjustable resistance R placed in shunt tothe coils L and L of the balance L, permits of a manual adjustment of steam consumption to the combustion rate such as is'had with the apparatus shown in Fig. l by means of the adjustable resistance It". In Fig. 2 primary and secondary air is supplied to each furnace by corresponding branches F and F from the air supply main F, and the two balances LA- employed in conjunction with each furnace A are associated one with the corresponding supply pipe F and the other with the corresponding supply pipe F The apparatus shown in Fig. 3 resembles that shown in Fig. 2' in that the electromagnetic motor of the balance L receives its energizing current from the supply conductors X and Y, and in that said current is kept proportional to a current generated by the magneto K and which, in turn, is proportional in strength to the speed of the stoker motor.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 3 differs from that shown in Fig. 2 in part in the .manner in which the stoker governor mo- -tor M is adjusted to thereby maintain the predetermined ratio between the electromotive force generated by the magneto K and the current flow through the circuit 10. In Fig. 3, the circuit 10 is connected at one end 'to the conductor 4 at the point 40 through a resistance R The circuit connected across the terminals of the magneto K comprises the portion of the conductor 4 between the points 40 and 41 and a'resistance It connected at one end to the conducneto K.

tor 4 at the point 40, and connected at the other end by the conductor 13 directly to the corresponding terminal of the magare open.

to rise above or fall below a normal intermediate position in which both switches The switches S and S control the motor M for adjusting the stoker throttle valve J just as the switches Q and Q of Fig. 2 control the motor- M in Fig. 2.

\Vith the described arrangement shown in Fig. 3 it will be apparent that thepotential drop across the terminals of the resistance R will be equal to the product of the current flowing through the circuit 10, multiplied by the amount of the resistance R The potential drop across the terminals of M the resistance R will thus be proportional to the strength of the current flowing through the circuit 10. The potential drop across the terminals of the resistance It will similarly be proportional to the strength of the current flowing through the resistance and hence to the electro-motive force generated bythe magneto K and consequently to the speed of the stoker motor I). Since the resistances R and R are each connected to one end of the other and con- I potential in the portion of the resistance R between the point 40 and the point at which the contact S is connected tocthe resistance E". This potential difference is normally maintained at a predetermined value by the solenoid since a movement of the core S in either direction will effect an: operation of the motor M which will result in a change in the speed of the magneto K in the direction needed to bring the potential difference at the opposite ends of the solenoid S back to zero.

In the particular arrangement shown, the counterweight S is intended to balancethe weight of the core S and the latter is polarized. In such case the intermedlate position of the core S is assumed when the terminals of the solenoid coil S are at the same potential and no current flows through the solenoid coil. Any change in the ratio of the currents flowing through the resistances R and R will then cause a current to flow in one direction or the other through the solenoid S, and a consequent closure of one of the switches S and S In the arrangement shown in Fig. 3, the, draft regulation is essentially the same as in Fig. 1, but the electromagnetic balances LB employed in conjunction with the individual chimney connections H of the furnaces A of Fig. 3 differ from the corresponding balances LA of Fig. 1. Each balance LB differs from a balance LA primarily in that the pressure chambers L and L are dispensed with, and the corresponding end of the lever L carries a vane L which extends in the corresponding conduit H and is thereby subjected to a force approximately proportional to the square of the flow through the conduit. The balance LB is, because of its simplicity and sensitiveness, of especial utility where the pressure difi'erential available as a measure of a fluid rate of flow is relatively small.

In Fig. 3"'also, the electro-magnetic motors of the various balances LA and LB while each in series with the motor of the balance L, are all in parallel with one another, the circuit 10 dividing at the point 50 into four branches one for each of the balances LA and LB. With this arrangement the electro-motive force's impressed on the windings of the different balances may obviously be maintained in any desired proportion, thus insuring the desired distribution of flow.

'lVith the arrangement shown in Figs. 2 and 3 a compensating regulation for variations in steam pressure may be secured by employing a bellows N to control resistance in a circuit portion individual to the ma neto K, as shown in Fig. 3, where the bellbws controlled resistance R is shown in the circuit portion 13.

In the arrangement 'shown in Fig. 3, changes in steam pressure effect predetermined changes in the rate of fuel feed without changing the rate of air feed. This capacity of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3 to vary the ratio of air feed to fuel feed in response to certainchanges in a boiler load condition, while makin both feeds responsive to the general condition of boiler load, is a desirable characteristic of my invention which is not claimed herein, but is claimed in my divisional application Serial No. 16,213, filed March 17, 1925.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the apparatus disclosed is advantageous not only because of its certainty of operation and its flexibility and ease of adjustment, but also because of its inherent practical simplicity, and relatively low cost of construction and manufacture.

1V hile in accordance with the provisions of the statutes I have illustrated and described the best forms of my invention now.

be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. Having now described'n'iy invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. Means for automatically proportioning the rate of'flow of one fluid stream to anstream to which the balance pertains and the strength of the electric current passing through the electric motor of the balance.

2. Means for automatically proportioning the rate of flow of one fluid to another comprising in combination a balancing device for each stream including a fluid pressure motor responsive to the rate of flow of the corresponding stream and an opposing electro-magnetic motor, means connecting the two electro-magnetic motors in series in the same energizing circuit, current regulating means actuated by one of said balances for adjusting the current in said circuit as re qnired to maintain a predetermined ratio between the strength of said current and the rate of flow of the stream to which that balance pertains, and means actuated by the second balance for varying the rate of flow of the stream to which the last mentioned balance pertains to thereby maintain a pre determined ratio between that rate of flow and the strength of said current.

3. Means for automatically proportioning the rate of flow of one fluid to another comprising in combination a balancing device for each stream including a fluid pressure motor responsive to the rate of flow of the corresponding stream and an opposing electro-magnetic motor, means connecting the two electro-magnetic motors in series in the same energizing circuit, said circuit includ ing a regulating resistance shunt for one at least of said electro-magnetic motors, current regulating means actuated by one of said balances for adjusting the current in said circuit as required to maintain a predetermined ratio between the strength of said current and the rate of flow of the stream to which that balance pertains, and means actuated by the second balance for varying the rate of flow of the stream to which the last mentioned balance pertains to thereby maintain a predetermined ratio between that rate of flow and the strength of said current.

4. Means for automatically proportioning the rate of flow of one fluid stream to another comprising 'in combination a balancpassing through ing device tor each stream including a fluid .other comprising in combination a balanc ing device for each stream including a fluid pressure motor responsive to the rate of flow ot' the corresponding stream and an opposing electro-imlgnetic motor, means connecting the two electro-magnetic motors in series in the same energizing circuit, said circuit including a regulating resistance shunt for one at least of said electro-magnetic motors, and means actuated by each balance for varying the rate of flow of the stream to which the balance pertains so as to thereby maintain a predetermined ratio between that rate of flow and the strength of the electric current passing through the electric motor of the balance.

I 6. Means for automatically proportioning the rate of flow of one fluid stream to another con'iprising in combination, a balancing device for each stream including a fluid pressure motor responsive to the rate of flow of the corresponding stream and an opposing electro-magnetic motor, means for impressing an electro-motive force on the terminals of each of said electro-magnetic motors bearing a predetermined ratio to the electro-motive force impressed on the terminals of the other electro-magnetic motor and means actuated by each balance for regulating the ratio between the rate of flow otthe stream to which the balance pertains and the strength of the electric current passing through the electric motor of the balance. r

7. Means for automatically proportioning the rate of flow of one fluid stream to another comprising in combinationa balancing device for each stream including a fluid pressure motor responsiveto the rate of flow of the corresponding stream and an opposing electro-nmgnetic motor, means connecting the two electro-magnetic motors in series in the same energizing current, means for impressing an electro-motive force on the terminals of each of said electro-magnetic motors bearing a predetermined ratio to the clectro-motive force impressed on the terminals of the other ele'ctro-magnetic motor, and means actuated by each balance for varying the rate of flow of the stream to which the balance pertains so as to thereby maintain a predetermined ratio between that rate of flow and the strength of the electric current passing through the electric motor of the balance.

8. Means for automatically proportioning the rate of flow of one fluid stream to another comprising in combination a balanc-- ing device for each stream including a fluid pressure motor responsive to the rate of flow of the corresponding stream and an opposing electro-magnetic motor, means connect-r ing the two clectro-magnetic motors in series in the same energizing circuit, said circuit including a regulating resistance shunt for one at least of said eleetro-mag netic motors, means for impressing an electro-motive force on the terminals of each of said electro-magnetic motors bearing a predetermined ratio to the electro-motive force impressed on the terminals of the other electro-magnetic motor, and means actuated by each balance for varying the rate of flow of the stream to which the balance pertains so as to thereby maintain a predetermined ratio between that rate of flow and the strength of the electric current passing through the electric motor of the balance.

9. Means for maintaining a a predetermined ratio between two variable quantities one of which is a fluid rate of flow comprising in combination a balance including a fluid pressure motor responsive to said fluid rate of flow and an opposing electro-magnetic motor, means for supplying an energizing current to said electro-magnetic motor proportional in strength to the second variable quantity and means actuatedby said balance for adjusting one of said variable quantities as required to maintain said predetermined ratio.

10. Means for maintaining a predetermined ratio between two variable quantities one of Which is a fluid rate of flow comprising in combination a balance includin a fluid pressure motor responsive to said fl llld rate of flow and an opposing electro-magnetic motor, means 'for supplying an energizing current to said electro-magnetic motor proportional in strength to the second variable quantity, and means actuated by said balance for adjusting said fluid rate of flow as required to maintain said predetermined ratio.

11. Means for maintaining a predeteri mined ratio between two variable quantities one of which is'a fluid rate of flow and the other of which is an electric currentcompris ing in combination a balance including a fluid pressure motor responsive to said fluid rate of flow and an opposing electro-magnetic motor energized by said current and means actuated by said balance for adjusting said fluid rate of'flow as required to maintain said predetermined rate. 1

12. Means for automatically maintaining a predetern'iined ratio between two or more variable quantities comprising a separate balance device for each quantity including an electro-magnetic motor and an opposing fluid pressure motor and means for subjecting the fluid pressure motor to a fluid pressure which is a function of the corresponding quantity, an electric control circuit in which the electromagnetic motors of the different balances are connected in series, means for passing a control current of regulated intensity through said circuit, and means controlled by each balance for varying the quantity to which the balance pertains as required to proportion said quantity to said control current.

13. In a steam generating plant the combination with means for maintaining the rate of combustion in a predetermined ratio to the rate at which steam is withdrawn from the plant, of means responsive to the pressure ofthe steam withdrawn for adjusting the ratio controlling means.

14. In a steam generating plant the combination with means for maintaining-the rate of fuel feed in proportion to the rate at which steam'is withdrawn from the plant, and means for maintaining the rate @Of air supply in proportion to the rate of fuel feed, of means controlled by the steam pressure for varying the proportion of fuel to steam, and independent means for varying the proportion of air to fuel.

15. In a furnace having provisions for the free admission thereto of atmospheric air for secondary combustion, the combination of means for supplying a predetermined volume of primary combustion air to the furnace, and means for maintaining a predetermined volume of flow'of the gaseous products of combustion away from said furnace;

16. In combustion regulating apparatus the combination with a stoker, of means for maintaining a predetermined ratio between a fluid rate of flow and the speed of said stoker comprising a dynamo operating at a speed proportional to the speed 'of the stoker and generating an ,electro-motive force proportional to its speed, a balancing device comprising a fluid pressure motor responsivegfto said fluid rate of flow and an opposing electro-magnetic motor energized by said dynamo, and means actuated by said balance for regulating the ratio between the stoker speed and said fluid rate of flow to thereby maintain said balance in equilibrium.

17 In combination with a machine, means for maintaining a predetermined ratio between a lfluid rate of flow and the speed of said machine comprising a dynamo operating at aspeed proportional to the speed of the machine and generating an electro-inotive .force proportional thereto, a balancing device comprising a fluid pressure motor responsive to saidfluid rate of flow and an opposing electro-magnetic motor energized by said dynamo, and means actuated by said balance for. regulating the ratio between the machine speed and said fluid rate of flow to thereby maintain said balance in equilibrium.

18. Means for maintaining a predetermined ratio between two variable quantities one of which is a fluid rate of flow, comprising in combination a balance including a fluid pressure motor responsive to said fluid rate of flow and an opposing electro-magnetic motor, an electrical circuit into which said motor is connected and from which-it is energized and including means for maintaining a current flow in a portion of said circuit proportional to said second variable, means actuated by said balance for main-- taining the energizing current for said elec tro-magnetic motor proportional to said fluid rate of flow, and means responsive to .the current distribution in different portions of said circuit for adjusting said second variable.

19. The method of regulating the fur-- naces of a plurality of boilers which consists in controlling the pressure of gases in the several furnaces by and in accordance with the rate of flow of steam from all'the boilers.

2O. The method herein'described of controlling combustion in'furnaces which consists in regulating the supply of fuel in accordance-with the flow of steam from the boiler and varying the feed of said fuel in accordance with variations in the static pressure of the steam.

21. The method herein described of controlling combustion in furnaces, which consists in regulating the feed of fuel and the flow of air to support combustion in accordance with the flow of steam from the boiler and varying the supply of air in accordance with variations in the static pressure of the steam. e.

22. The method herein described of controlling combustion' in the furnace of a boiler which consists in forcing air into the fuel and simultaneously regulating such feed of air and the discharge of gases from the furnace in accordance with the flow of steam from the boiler.

23. The method herein described of controlling eombustionin furnaces which consists in normally regulating the supply of fuel and air to the combustion chamber in accordance with the rate of flow of steam from the boiler, and varying the supply of fuel and air in accordance with the variations of pressure of steam in the boiler.

24. The method herein descrihedof controlling combustion in furnaces which conand varying the supply of fuel in accordance with variations in the static pressure I of the steam.

25. The method hereinidescribcd of controlling combustion in furnaces which con- I sists in regulating the supply of air to the comlnistion chamber and escape of products of combustion from the furnace by and in accordance with the flow of steam from the boiler, and varying the supply of air by and in accordance witlrvariations of the static pressure of the steam.-

26. The method herein described of controlling combustion in a furnace which consists in regulating the escape of gases from the furnace and the supply of air and fuel to the furnace in accordance with the rate of flow of steam from the boiler and varying the supply of air and fuel in accordance with the variations of static pressure.

27. The method herein described of regulating the combustion in furnaces which consists in regulating the fuel and air sup plyj by and in accordance with changes in therate of flow of steam from the boiler and changes inthe pressure of steam flowiug from the boiler.

28. The method herein described which consists in utilizing the vapor in a boiler at a pressure somewhat below the normal boiler pressure to control the feed of fuel and air to the furnace of the boiler, varying. the rate of such feed by and in accordance with the rate of flow of steam from the boiler and speeding up such feed on a drop of pressure below a predetermined minimum.

29. The method herein described of regulating the combustion in the furnace of a vapor generator which consists in regulat ing the escape of products of combustion from a furnace, in the same direction by and injaccordance with changes in the rate of flow ofsteam from the generator and by and in accordance with changes in the static pressure of the steam, whereby a variation inthe rate of flow of steam in one direction- (up or down) will effect similar regulation as a variation of static pressure in the opposite direction (down or up). 1

30. The method herein described for rcgulating combustion in furnaces of a plurality of vapor generators which consists in controlling the discharge of products of combustion from all of the furnaces and the feed of fuel to the same by and in accordance with the rate of flow of'vapor from all the generators and'in accordance with the changes from the normal static pres sure of such vapor.

31. The method herein described of regulating combustion in the furnace of a vapor generator which consists in controlling a plurality of operations afl'ccting' combustion, such as flow of products of combustion from the furnace and the feed of fuel to the furnace and regulating the controlling means in the same direction by and in accordance with changes in the rate of flow of vapor from the generator and alsoby and in accordance with changes in the static pressure of vapor in the generator whereby a variation in the rate of flow of said vapor in one direction (up or down) will effect a similar regulation as a variation of static pressure in the opposite direction (down or up).

'32. The method herein described of regulating combustion in the furnace of a vapor generator which consists in regulating the flow of products of combustion from the furnace of the generator and feed of fuel to the furnace of the generator in the same direction both by and in accordance with changes. in the rate of flow of vapor from the generator and with changes in the static pressure of thevapor, whereby a variation in the rate of flow of vapor in one direction (up or down) will effect similar regulation as a variation of static pressure of the vapor in the opposite direction (down or up).

33. The combination of a vapor generator having a furnace with means for regulating a plurality of operations affecting combustion in the furnace andmeans operative to regulate the combustion controlling'means in the same direction by and in accordance with changes in the rate of fiow of vapor from the generator and with changes in the static pressure of the vapor, whereby a variation in the rate of flow of vapor in one direction (up or down) will effect similar regulation as'a variation of static pressure in the opposite direction (down or up).

34:. In a furnace control system, the combination with a plurality of individual electro-magnetic combustion regulating devices,

a common energizing means for the different 35. In a system comprising a furnace, va

vapor generator, means for controlling the discharge of products of combustion from the furnace, a motor for shifting such.

means, and motor controlling means, the method of controlling the furnace opera- "tion which consists in regulating the said motor controlling means by and in accordance W1th varlations of an effect which rea I Y I 1,537,044

" sults from the independent exerted action of variations 1n static pressure andvariations of vapor flow from the generator.

36. The method of controlling a regulating mechanism of the furnace of a vapor generator comprising means for controlling the discharge of products of combustion from the furnace, a motor for shifting such means and a motor, controlling means, which consists in regulating the operation of the motor controlling means by and in accordance with an effect resulting from the independent action of the static and dynamic pressures of vapor flowing from the generator.

37. The method of controlling a regulat ing mechanism of the furnace of a vapor generator comprising means for controlling the discharge ofproducts of combustion from the furnace, a motor for shifting such means and a motor controlling means, which consists in regulating the operation of the motor controlling means by and in accordance with an effect resulting from the ac tion of independent variations of the static and dynamic pressures of vapor flowing from the generator.

88. The combination of. a generator of vapor having a furnace with means for controlling the escape of products of combustion from the furnace of the generator, means for controlling the feedof fuel to the furnace, means for feeding air under pressure to the furnace and mechanisms operative by and in accordance with changes in the rate of flow of vapor from the generator and with changes in the static pressure of the vapor for regulating the operation of the combustion products controlling means and the fuel and air feeding means.

39. The combination of a vapor generator having a furnace with means for changing the pressure of gases in the furnace and operative by and in accordance with changes in the rate of flowrof vapor from the generator and by and in accordance with changes in the static pressure of vapor in the generator. I

40. The combination of a vapor generator having a furnace with means fOrregulating the pressure of gases in the furnace, means for feeding fuel to the furnace and means operative by and in accordance with changes in each of the components forming the total pressure of vapor flowing from the generator for regulating the operation of the furnace pressure controlling means and the fuel feeding means.

41. The combination of a vapor generator having a furnace with means for controlling the discharge of gases from the furnace, means for feeding fuel to the furnace, {means for supplyingair to the furnace, mechanism for adjusting one of said means by and in accordance with variainthe rate of flow of vapor from the boiler.

42. The combination of a vapor generator havmg a furnace with a stack damper,

means operative by and in accordance with the static pressure of the vapor, for adjusting the position of the damper and means operative by and in accordance with the rate of flow ofvapor from the generator for shifting the damper relative to posi tion given by the static pressure.

43. The combination of a vapor generator having a furnace, means for feeding fuel to the furnace, means operative by and in accordance with changes in the static pressure; of the vapor for adjusting the operation of the fuel feeding means and means operative by and in accordance with changes in the rate of flow of vapor from the generator for varying the rate of feed of fuel as established by the static pressure.

44. The combination of a vapor generator having a furnace, means for feeding air to the furnace, means operative by and in accordance wit changes inthe static pressure of the vapor for adjusting the operation of the air feeding means'and means operative by and in accordance with changes in the,

rate of flow of vapor from the generator for varying the rate of feed of air as established by the static pressure.

45. The combination of a vapor generator having a furnace with means for effecting the regulation of one of the operations affecting combustion, mechanism operative by and in accordance with the changes in the rate of flow of steam from the generator, mechanism operative by and in accordance with changes in the static pressure of steam in the generator, both of said mechanisms being adapted to operate the regulating means in the same direction on an increase in the rate of flow or a decrease in static pressure or vice versa.

46. A regulating or controlling mechanism having in combination two independently movable .diaphragms, one diaphragm operative by and in accordance with changes in the dynamic pressure of a stream of fluid under pressure, the second diaphragm operative by and in accordance with changes in the static pressure of such'fluid, and mechanism operative by both diaphragms.

47. The method of furnace regulation which consists in controlling in accordance with and by variations in the dynamic and static pressures of the steam passing from the furnace, the fuel feeding means, the primary draft for combustion and the exit of the products of combustion from the furnace.

48. The method of furnace regulation whichconsists in simultaneously controlling in accordance with and by variations in the dynamic and static pressures .of the steam passing from the furnace, the feed of fuel to the furnace, the primary draft for coming the supply of air to maintaina pressure in the furnace varying inversely to the rate of combustion.

51. The combination with the combustion chamber of a vapor generator, of a blower for supplying air thereto and means for automatically varying the supply of air to maintain a pressure in the furnace varying inversely to the demands on the generator.

52. The combination with a boiler furnace having regulable fuel feeding means, regulable forced draft air supply means and draft suction regulating means, of a control system for said means including a device responsive to a condition of boiler load and co-operating with said means to vary the rates at which fuel and air are supplied to the furnace and the rate at which products of combustion are withdrawn from the furnace in accordance with changes in said condition of boiler load.

53. The combination-with a boiler furnace of means for feeding fuel to the furnace, a forced draft air supply fan, means for varying the draft suction impressed on the furnace, and co-operating control provisions including means automatically re sponsive to changes in the boiler steam pressure and to changes in the rate at which steam is withdrawn from the boiler for increasing and decreasing therate' of fuel feed, the rate at which air is supplied to the furnace, and the draft suction impressed on the furnace, on increases and decreases respectively, in therrate of steam withdrawal, and on decreases or increases respectively, in the boiler steam pressure.

54. The combination -with a battery of boiler furnaces steaming in common, and fuel feeding means for the furnaces, forced draft air sup-ply means for each furnace,

and means for impressing a draft suction on each furnace, of control provisions automatically responsive to a condition of steam. generation by all the boilers for simultane-f ously adjusting each ofsaid means, to'thereby vary the rates at which fuel and air are supplied to, and products of combustion are withdrawn from each furnace on, and mac-- cordance wlth, changes 1n said condition.

55. The combination with a boiler furnace,

of a regulable fuel feed, a regulable air feed and regulable draft suction means for the furnace, means for creating a regulable control force, and means including provisions automatically responsive to the rate of fuel feed, means automatically responsive to the rate at which air is supplied to the furnace, and means automatically responsive to the rate at which products of combustion are withdrawn from the furnace for maintaining a predetermined relation between said force and each of said rates. I

56. The combination with a boiler furnace of regulablemeans for feeding air to the furnace, regulable means for impressing a draft suction on the furnace, a device responsive to the rate of air feed to the furnace, a device responsive to the rate at which products of combustion are withdrawn from the furnace, and control provlsions co-operating with said devices and said means for simultaneously varying said two rates.

57. The combination with a boiler furnace, of a regulable air feeding means and regulable means for impressing a regulable draft suction on the furnace, means for maintaining and regulating a control force, and means responsive to said force and to the rate at which air is supplied-for adjusting the air feeding means as required to maintain a'predetermined ratio between said rate and said force, and means responsive to said force and to the rate at which products of combustion are withdrawn from the boiler for adjusting said draft regulating means to maintain a predetermined ratio between said force and the rate at which products of com-' bustion are withdrawn from the furnace.

58. The combination with a boiler furnace, and a regulable fuel feed, a regulable air feedand regulable draft suction means for the furnace, of a system automatically controlling said feeds and means, comprising means for creating a regulable control force, and means including provisions automatically responsive to the rate of fuel feed and means automatically responsive to the rate at which air is supplied to the furnace for maintaining a determined relation between said force and said rates, and means for adjusting said draft suction means as 59. The combination with a battery of boiler furnaces and regulable fuel feeds, regulable air feeds and regulable draft'suction means for the furnaces, of a system automatically controlling said feeds and- 1 sure conditions in'the furnace. 7

conditions in the furnace.

60. The combination with a battery of boiler furnaces, of stoker mechanism for feeding fuel to the furnaces, means for maintaining a regulable control force, means responsive to said control force and to the speed of operation of said stoker mechanism for maintaining a predetermined ratio between said force and the rate at which fuel is supplied to each furnace, an air feed regulating means for each furnace including means responsive to said force and to the rate at which air is fed to said furnace for maintaining a predetermined ratio between said force and said rate, and a draft suction regulating means for each furnace including means responsive to said force and to the rate at which products of combustion are withdrawn from that furnace for maintaining a predetermined ratio between said force and the last mentioned rate.

61. The combination with a boiler furnace and its fuel feeding means, forced draft air supply fan, and suction draft regulating means, and a damper throttling the connection between the fan outlet and the furnace, of a control system automatically responsive to a condition of steam generation and to a condition dependent on the fuel bed resistance of the furnace for changing the rate at which fuel is fed to the furnace, the fan speed, and said draft regulating means in accordance with' changes in said condition, and for adjusting said damperto compensate for changes in fuel bed resistance.

' 62. The combination with a boiler furnace and its'regulable fuel feed, forced draft air supply fan and suction draft regulating means, of a control system automatically re- .sponsive to a condition of boiler load and operating to effect simultaneous changes in the rate of fuel feed, the speed of the fan, and the draft suction impressed on the furnace in response tochanges in said condition.

63. The combination with a boiler furnace and its stoker feed, forced draft air supply fan and means for regulating the draft suction impressed on the furnace, of a control system including a device responsive to the pressure of the steam generated for increasing and decreasing the stoker speed, the fan speed, and the draft suction, on increases and decreases respectively in the ressure of the steam generated, and means mcluding a damper between the fan outlet and the furnace for automatically compensating for changes in fuel bed resistance so as to make the rate at which air is supplied to the furnace by the fan substantially independent of the fuel bed resistance.

64. The combination with a boiler fur nace and its stoker feed, forced draft air supply fan and means for regulating the draft suction impressed onthe furnace, of a control system including a device responsive to a condition of boiler load for increasing and decreasing the stoker speech. the fan speed. and the draft suction, on

increases and decreases, respectively, in said load, and means including a damper between the fan outlet and the furnace for automatically compensating for changes in the fuel bed resistance of the furnace so as to thereby make the rate at which air is supplied to the furnace by the fan substantially independent of said resistance.

65. The combination with a boiler furnace, and a stoker mechanism supplying fuel i in said condition, a damper between the fan outlet and the furnace, and means respon sive to the pressure in the furnace for ad- 'justing said damper to compensate for changes in the furnace. v

66. The combination with a battery of boiler furnaces steaming. in common, of means for regulating the combustion there in, comprising mechanism responsive to the pressure of the steam generated, means associated with said mechanism for maintaining a forced draft air supply pressure varying with changes in the steam pressure, means associated with said mechanism for varying the rate at which fuel is supplied to the furnaces in accordance with changes in the steam pressure, means associated with said mechanism for adjusting the draft suction impressed on the different furnaces in accordance with changes in the steam pressure, and means responsive to a condition dependent upon the pressure in the boiler furnaces for variably throttling the connection between each furnace and the forced draft air supply to compensate for.

fuel bed resistance of said variations in fuel bed resistance in said furnace.

67? The combination with a boiler furnace, fuel feeding means and forced draft air supply means therefor, and means regulating the draft suction impressed on the furnace responsive to the pressure of the steam generated acting on said means to simultaneously vary the rate at which fuel and airare supplied to, and the rate at which products of combustion are Withdrawnfrom the furnace on, and in accordance with, changes in pressureof the Steam generated, and additional means comprising a device responsive to the rate at which steam is withdrawn from the boiler, and a device responsive to the rate at which air is supplied to the furnace for effecting a supplemental regulation of the rate of air supply to the furnace. I

68. The combination with a battery of boiler furnaces, fuel. .feeding' means and forced draft air supply means therefor, and means. regulating the draft suction impressed on the furnaces, of means responsive to the pressure of the steam generated acting on each of said means to simultaneously vary the rate at which fuel and air are supplied to, and the rate at which products of combustion are withdrawn from the furnace on, and in accordance with, changes in pressure ofthe steam generated, and additional means comprising a device responsive to the rate at which steam is withdrawn from the boilers and a device responsive to the rate at which air is supplied to each furnace for effecting a supplemental regulation of the rate of air sup- I in said condition, and individual regulators for the different devices whereby the regulating effect of said means on each such 40 device may be varied.

GEORGE HERBERT GIBSON.

I DasoLAiMER, 1,537,044.Ge6rge Herbert Gibson, Montclair, N. J. 'FLow-PRoroR'rmmNo Arm.

arms. patentee.

Patent dated May 5,v 1925.

Disclaimer filed August :5, 1927,,by the Therefore enters this disclaimer to methods of and apparatus for regulating or controlling combustion in a furnace as specified in claims, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,

35, 36, 37,- 38, 52, and 5,3 of said Letters Patent except methods and apparatus I wherein the volume of draft through the furnace is controlled by a draft-regulating ad uStment, the extent of which is determinedby the volume of draft as distinguished, for example, calibrated positions as [077501212 Gazette August 30, 1927.]

from adjustments of a draft regulating device,to previously disclosed in the Wilkinson Patent No. 1,093,161. y 

